Good Governance, Decent Living Eluding Nigerians, Says Catholic Bishops

The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province has urged government at all levels to deliver good governance to Nigerians saying such is eluding the people.

The religious leaders expressed the view that most of the current leaders seem to lead the country without any compass, hardly knowing what to do about anything.

These views formed part of the communiqué issued at  the end of their  meeting held at the Pope John Paul II, Pastoral Centre, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital.

The communiqué signed by Bishops in Ibadan, Ilorin, Ondo, Ekiti and Osogbo Catholic Dioceses was signed by Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, President and Most Rev. John Oyejola, Secretary.

“Nigerians are still desperate for better times which seem now more and more like a mirage.

“It is distressing that Nigerians leaders past and present, continue to exact more sacrifice from ordinary Nigerians while increasing their own scandalous remunerations and comfort.

“All Nigerian leaders stand indicted unless they make a change, shun prebendalism and serve the aspirations of the people in Nigeria”.

The Bishops noted that the demands of Nigerians are very straightforward and simple as purposeful leadership and good governance.

“Verifiable in security of life and property, demand infrastructure and social amenities, the enforcement of the rule of law and a conducive atmosphere for development”

They explained that it is the responsibility of the government to see that no one is forced to leave his fatherland due to push-factors such as bad governance, insecurity, bad economy, unaffordable and unstable education system and lack of job opportunities.

On the ECOWAS resolutions on the coup in Niger, the Bishops said governments that fail to represent the interest of their people in democracy, compromise their legitimacy.

 “No Nigerian life should be sacrificed for the crisis in Niger or anywhere else because war of any kind is a failure of humanity, “ they said.

Calling on the  government to show more commitment to solve the challenges of insecurity and curb kidnapping, banditry, insurgency, or ritual killing, the cleric said, “Recent killing of 21 Nigerian soldiers by suspected bandits in Kundu, Niger State does not inspire confidence that the security agencies are to confront the prevailing situation”